Spill-proof aerator for low volatile compound solutions

ABSTRACT

A spill-proof aerator is disclosed that is adapted to flamelessly diffuse a liquid solution into the atmosphere. The device comprises a liquid solution having less than 20% volatile organic compounds housed in a vessel with at least one wall, wherein an opening is disposed in the wall. The device further includes a wick assembly including at least a wick of porous material capable of being disposed in the opening of the vessel for at least partial submergence in the liquid solution. The wick is further disposed for drawing up the liquid solution thorough capillary action. The wick assembly is reusable and adapted to removably seal the opening in the vessel.

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/089,088, filed Aug. 15, 2008, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for dispersinglow volatile organic compound (VOC) liquid solutions into theatmosphere. It finds particular application in conjunction withflameless, environmental fragrance diffusers, and will be described withparticular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that thepresent exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other likeapplications.

Over the past decade, fragrance diffusers have increased in popularityas consumers look for safe, non-flammable ways to scent theirenvironments. Particularly, reed diffusers have quickly become householdstaples as a safe way to fill a space with fragrance while avoiding thedangers of candles. Additionally, the reed diffusers providelong-lasting scent while being both economical and attractive. Fragrancereed diffusers are all generally similar in form and consist of a glasscontainer, a set of reeds and diffuser solution, as illustrated inFIG. 1. The glass bottle is filled about three quarters of the way fullof the diffuser solution and the reeds are inserted into the solution.The reeds “wick,” or draw up the diffuser solution through channelsdisposed in each reed. The scent is then dispersed into the air throughevaporation and the natural properties of the generally high volatileorganic compounds in the fragrance solution “lift” the fragrance intothe air.

Reed diffusers possess numerous disadvantages that cause such diffusersto be less desirable to a consumer. For instance, reed diffusers are notmaintenance free, but rather require users to flip or turn the reedsabout once a week to refresh the scent. Another known disadvantage isthat diffusers are not spill-proof. The required reed flipping may causethe diffuser solution to spill onto the user's hands or surface top onwhich the diffuser rests. The diffusers generally have open tops intowhich the reeds or sticks are inserted. The reeds do not seal-off theopening and thereby leave the solution exposed to the air and vulnerableto spilling out of the diffuser. Therefore, current diffusers are notsuitable for all environments, such as vehicles and areas with childrenand/or pets. Additionally, reed diffusers are not reusable and must bechanged every time the scent is changed, or about once a month. The thinreeds or sticks that are used often become clogged up and must be thrownout.

Diffusers have recently come under environmental regulatory scrutiny dueto their liquid content's levels of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC).VOCs are organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressureunder normal condition to significantly vaporize and enter theatmosphere. Household products such as air fresheners, insecticides,disinfectants, etc., commonly contain VOCs. VOCs are emitted as gasesfrom certain solids and liquids and include a variety of chemicals.There are several concerns surrounding VOCs. First, VOCs combine withnitrogen oxides in the air to form ozone (commonly known as smog), whichhas been demonstrated to contribute to air pollution problems.Additionally, select VOCs may impact the respiratory and neurologicalsystems causing negative health effects.

The Environmental Protection Agency, along with a number of leadingequivalent state agencies in California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, NewYork, New Jersey, Maine, Delaware and Washington D.C. have passedstringent statutes limiting the VOC content in various consumer relatedproducts. Of these states, California has been the most stringent,specifically calling on air freshener products to limit their VOCcontent to 18%. Market samplings of the products currently being sold onthe market revealed that over 84% of the products had VOC levels farsurpassing these levels.

Many of the liquid fragrance solutions used in traditional diffuserscurrently sold in the marketplace contain high levels of VOCs as theyact as carriers lifting molecules into the air. In order to workeffectively, the VOCs must come in contact with the surrounding air,react and then lift the non-volatile ingredients into the air.Therefore, current diffusers must either have the solution exposeddirectly to the surrounding air (as in an open top container), or byusing a device/mechanism that transfers the solution from a container toa surface that is exposed to the air (as in many closed top containers).Historically wicking mechanisms in both types of diffusers, closed andopen top, did not have to be as efficient in the diffusing functionowing to the fact that a high VOC content liquid being wicked/exposedhad enough lift to be able to diffuse itself into the surroundingenvironment. When using a mechanism to transfer the solution from acontainer, often times, the non-volatile compounds end up clogging the‘channels’ that transfer the solution through capillary action. Whenchannels become clogged, the wick can no longer function properly andmust be replaced. As VOC content is lowered, the percentage ofnon-volatile ingredients increase, the design and functionality of thediffuser become much more important in order to maintain diffusionefficacy. Thus, the higher the concentration of non-volatile compounds,the more likely the mechanism will clog and work less effectively.

Additionally, the surface area of exposed solution directly impacts theeffectiveness of the diffuser. This is why many previous embodimentshave used multiple reeds to increase the surface area of the exposedsolution by creating two surfaces with which to expose the solution tothe air (the reeds themselves and direct contact with the solution). Thesame is true for diffusers that use a mechanism to transfer the solutionto an exposed surface. However, VOCs also play an important role indetermining the necessary surface area. The lower the VOC content of thesolution being diffused, the greater the need for a large surface areaand efficient absorption in order to maintain optimal product function.

Due to the recent environmental VOC standard changes, there hasdeveloped a need for an aerator that can implement an increasedconcentration of non-volatile compounds (above 80%) resulting in low VOClevels without clogging. It is also desirable to ensure the diffuser hasan absorption rate sufficient to quickly expose the solution to a largesurface area and that the diffuser can provide a consistent flow of thesolution to the surface and properly release the solution into theatmosphere.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a spill-proof device isdisclosed that is adapted to flamelessly diffuse a low volatile liquidsolution into the atmosphere. The device comprises a liquid solutionhaving less than 20% volatile organic compounds housed in a vessel withat least one wall, wherein an opening is disposed in the wall. Thedevice further includes a wick assembly including at least a wick ofporous material capable of being disposed in the opening of the vesselfor at least partial submergence in the liquid solution. The wick isfurther disposed for drawing up the liquid solution through capillaryaction. The wick assembly is reusable and adapted to removably seal theopening in the vessel.

In another aspect of the present invention, a spill-proof diffuserassembly is disclosed that is adapted to flamelessly diffuse lowvolatile liquids into the ambient air. The assembly comprises a vesselfor housing a liquid solution having an opening with a raised neckportion, an aerator top comprising a porous material having a firstshallow recess and a second deeper recess concentrically disposedtherein, and a wick capable of being removably disposed in the secondrecess. The first recess is adapted to removably engage the neckportion, and the wick is disposed for at least partial submergence inthe liquid. At least one of the diffuser top and wick seal the openingof the vessel.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosedfor flamelessly diffusing a low volatile liquid solution into theatmosphere. The method includes filling a vessel having an opening witha liquid solution having less than 20% volatile organic compound,creating a reusable, porous wick assembly comprising at least an aeratortop and a wick by removably inserting at least one wick to said diffusertop; creating a spill-proof seal between said vessel and said wickassembly; and partially submerging one or more of the wicks in theliquid solution enabling the one or more wicks to transfer the liquidsolution to said diffuser top through capillary action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will take form in certain parts and arrangements of parts,preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in thisspecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form apart hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a three dimensional rendering of prior art reed diffusers;

FIG. 2 is a three dimensional view of the spill-proof aerator assemblyaccording to the present invention

FIG. 3 is a two dimensional view of the spill-proof aerator assemblyportrayed in FIG. 2 as viewed from the side;

FIG. 4( a) is a three dimensional view of a spill-proof aerator assemblywith a cube shaped vessel and square shaped top with a cylindrical wick;

FIG. 4( b) is a three dimensional view of a spill-proof aerator assemblywith a cylindrically shaped vessel, top and wick;

FIG. 4( c) is a three dimensional view of a spill-proof aerator assemblywith a pyramid shaped vessel and top and a cylindrical wick;

FIG. 4( d) is a three dimensional view of a spill-proof aerator assemblywith a cylindrical shaped vessel with a domed top and a cylindricalwick;

FIG. 5 is a three dimensional view of the solid top of the proposedspill-proof aerator with the wick removed;

FIG. 6 is a two dimensional view of the solid top of the proposedfragrance aerator from the side with the dowel wick;

FIG. 7 is a three dimensional view of the vessel which holds thefragrance solution for diffusion having a neck portion;

FIG. 8( a) is a cylindrical shaped vessel with a neck portion that isnarrower than the rest of the vessel;

FIG. 8( b) is a cylindrical shaped vessel without a neck portion;

FIG. 9 is a three dimensional view of a cylindrical wick used to wickliquid into the solid top.

FIG. 10 is a three dimensional view of the solid top of the aeratorassembly including the single wick which has been inserted into thesolid top;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the solid top of the proposed spill-proofaerator;

FIG. 12 is a three dimensional view of an aerator assembly employingthree cylindrical wicks;

FIG. 13 is a three dimensional view of a solid top employing threecylindrical wicks turned upside down;

FIG. 14 is an aerator assembly using a tapered wick to seal the top ofthe vessel;

FIG. 15 is a three dimensional view of an open vessel sealed by a gasketattached to the solid top;

FIG. 16 is an aerator assembly having a threaded screw top wick formating with a threaded necked vessel;

FIG. 17 is an aerator assembly having a stopper based mechanism attachedto the wick for insertion into the vessel opening and creating a seal;

FIG. 18 is an aerator assembly having a tongue and groove mechanism forsealing the top and wick to the vessel;

FIG. 19 is a solid top with an adhesive coating meant to be mated withthe vessel opening; and

FIG. 20 is a two dimensional view of an aerator assembly wherein thediffusing mechanism is a wick with a large surface area top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating preferred embodiments of this invention only and not forpurposes of limiting the same, FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplaryembodiment of the spill-proof aerator assembly 2 fully assembled, inaccordance with the present invention. Aerator assembly 2 includes atwo-piece wick assembly comprising solid top 8 and wick 6, inserted intothe solid top 8 and partially submerged in vessel 4. Alternatively, thewick assembly could be one continuous piece. Vessel 4 is filled with aliquid solution (not shown) preferably comprising a mixture ofvolatile/non-volatile liquids having a volatile organic compound (VOC)level below 20%. The liquid solution may include fragrances,deodorizers, insecticides, decongestants, and the like. The exactsolution composition may be optimized according to a manufacturer'sspecific products. However, mixing various liquids must be proportionedsuch that solvents with naturally higher VOCs will require the additionof a lower VOC liquid to ensure the emission is below the 20% threshold.Similarly, when the solvent has a low VOC, a higher VOC content may beimplemented in the liquid.

FIG. 3 displays aerator assembly 2 from a side angle with solid top 8resting snugly against vessel 4. Wick 6, extends from the solid top 8partially through vessel 4. The aerator assembly is not limited to theparticular shape or assembly displayed, and may take any form desiredwithout affecting the function of the aerator. As illustrated in FIG. 4(a)-(d), the aerator assembly may have a cube shaped vessel 13 with asquare top 11(a), a cylinder shaped vessel 17 and top 15(b), a pyramidshaped vessel 21 and top 19(c), or a cylindrical vessel 17 with a dometop 23(d). However, the aerator assembly is not limited to the exemplaryshapes listed herein. It is to be appreciated that the aerator referredto herein takes on a generic shape unless otherwise specified.

As seen in FIG. 5, solid top 8 includes at least a top surface 14 andbottom surface 16. Solid top 8 is generally shaped so as to providemultiple evaporation faces to facilitate the release of liquid into theatmosphere; however a single face of the solid top can be used as theevaporative surface. The shape of solid top 8 is not critical, and maybe, for example, a disk, square, rectangle, cone or sphere, with wallsthat are smooth, undulated, ribbed, grooved, flat, or formed in anyother way, providing the solid top is able to evaporate the particularliquid used. Solid top 8 may be formed of a fibrous material withabsorptive qualities, such as wood and ceramics, or the like.

As best displayed in FIG. 6, one exemplary embodiment of solid top 8includes a first hole 10 and a second, larger hole 12, each disposed inbottom surface 16. Neither first hole 10 nor second hole 12 fullytraverse the solid top 8. Second hole 12 is larger in diameter, butshallower than first hole 10. Therefore, first hole 10 is concentricallydisposed inside second hole and extends deeper into solid top 8, towardtop surface 14. The solid top 8 may be formed to any thickness providingthe thickness is sufficient to allow for a first hole 10 and a secondhole 12, if such holes are used in the top 8. In another embodiment,solid top 2 may comprise only one hole, or no holes at all.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary vessel 4 according to the presentinvention. Vessel 4 is depicted as being substantially cube-shaped;however, as stated previously, the particular shape and/or volume is notcritical to the assembly and substantially depends on aestheticrequirements. Generally, vessel 4 includes an upper wall 20, a lowerwall 22, and at least one end wall 23. Vessel 4 is preferably formed ofglass. However, the vessel 4 may alternatively comprise any suitablematerial such as metal, porcelain, plastic, etc. According to oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention, vessel 4 includes a neckportion 24, circumferentially surrounding an opening 32. Neck portion 24is preferably more narrow than the rest of the vessel and raised aboveupper wall 20 to releasably engage second hole 12 of solid top 8. Inthis exemplary embodiment, vessel 4 includes a crimp-top neck 24 thatfits snuggly inside second hole 12, creating a spill-proof seal betweenthe solid top 8 and the vessel 4. A screw top neck on the bottle canalso be utilized to the same effectiveness. When solid top engagesvessel 4 creating a seal, a second spill-proof seal is created by theinsertion of wick 6 through opening 32. Therefore, this particularembodiment comprises a double spill-proof seal. FIG. 8 displays twoadditional exemplary embodiments of the vessel opening 32. The vessel inFIG. 8( a) contains the narrow neck portion 24 raised above the upperwall 20. The neck portion 24 may be threaded or non-threaded for matingwith the solid top 8 and wick 6 assembly. The vessel displayed in FIG.8( b) does not include a neck portion and instead maintains a wideopening 32.

Wick 6 comprises a porous or fibrous material, including but not limitedto wood, ceramics, fibers, plastics, or any other materials providingsignificant absorption. As opposed to known diffusers, the wick 6according to the present invention may be re-used multiple times, evenif the particular type of liquid is changed. Once the wick 6 completelydries and is rid of the previous liquid, it may be re-used regardless ofthe scent or composition of the previous liquid. Due to the particularcut, moisture level and wood material, the wick will not experience theproblem of clogging known diffusers face, wherein the wicks may only beused once and then must be changed. In one embodiment, wick 6 compriseswood cut longitudinally with the wood grain in a vertical fashion. Thisassists in liquid uptake. If the wood was cut horizontally, capillaryaction will be retarded and the device will not diffuse efficiently.Moreover, it is preferable if the wood has a moisture content of lessthan 15% to maximize absorption and further limit clogging.

As shown in FIG. 9, wick 6 comprises a first end 28 extended opposite asecond end 30. First end 28 is formed such that it may be releasablyreceived by first hole 10, as best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. Wick 6 ispreferably inserted into first hole 10 by hand and the fit should beexact, thereby eliminating any need for extra tools. Wick 6 mayalternatively be mated with solid top 8 in any way known in the art,such as threading, use of adhesives and interlocking connectors, so longas the liquid solution is effectively communicated from the wick 6 tosolid top 8. In one embodiment, wick 6 is cylindrical in shape, withsecond end 30 being tapered such that first end 28 has a larger radiusthan second end 30. Although depicted in the figures as a cylinder, wick6 may take on any shape appropriate for the particular aerator to beused. For example, if first hole 10 is shaped as a square, it may benecessary for first end 28 of wick 6 to be shaped as a complementarysquare. Additionally, an aerator may employ multiple wicks, as seen inFIGS. 12 and 13. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the use of three separatewicks, each mated with first holes 10 of solid top 8. However, anynumber of wicks may alternatively be used.

The spill-proof aerator of the present invention according to oneexemplary embodiment, is assembled by first filling vessel 4 with adesired volatile and, optionally, nonvolatile liquid (maintaining totalVOC levels below 20%). Once the liquid is disposed in vessel 4, firstend 28 of wick 6 is inserted into first hole 10 of solid top 8. Secondend 30 of wick 6 is then inserted through opening 32 and into vessel 4.Due to the tapered shape of wick 6, as the wick 6 is lowered into vessel4, the width of the wick 6 increases until the wick 6 seals off theopening 32 of vessel 4, as best seen in FIG. 14. As described above, theopening 32 may alternatively, or additionally, be sealed by theengagement of solid top 8 and opening 32. Second hole 12 may be securedto neck portion 24 using a snap arrangement, screw arrangement, or anyother suitable method known in the art. Solid top is preferablyremovable from the vessel by hand, without the use of external tools.Therefore, once assembled, solid top 8 rests flush up against vessel 4and opening 32 is sealed off creating a spill-proof effect that willendure even if it were knocked on its side or even turned over.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the spill-proof seal of thepresent invention, using a gasket 38 to form a pressure seal. Gasket 38can be either attached to solid top 8 or to vessel opening 32. Gasket 38may be made out of any flexible material known in the art that isresistant to liquid and does not corrode or wear easily. Commongasket/seal materials that may be used include rubber, neoprene andvarious soft plastics. The pressure seal is created when the top/wickcombo is inserted into the vessel 4 and pressed down gently.

FIG. 16 displays yet another embodiment of the spill-proof sealaccording to the present invention. Vessel 4 includes a threaded neck 26that is adapted to engage a threaded cap 40 that fits over first end 28of wick 6 and creates a tight seal. FIG. 16 shows how the threaded cap40/wick 6 arrangement is then securely mated with an opening 32.

In another embodiment of the present invention seen in FIG. 17, astopper/gasket 48 is attached to wick 6, close to first end 28. Wick 6is then inserted into opening 32 of vessel 4 to create a spill-proofseal. The stoppered wick 6 can then be mated to solid top 8 through thevarious methods described above. Similar to the gasket seal, the stopper48 can be made of a number of flexible materials that are impervious toliquids including, but not limited to rubbers, plastics, neoprene, andsimilar materials.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 18,a spill-proof seal is created by employing a tongue and groove mechanismbetween the solid top 8, wick 6 and the vessel 4. Vessel 4 has a tongue50 protruding inwards on opening 32, similar to an inner tube. Tongue 50can be made from a number of flexible, liquid impervious material suchas rubber or various plastics. Solid top 8 has a separate grooved piece52, which is made to fit the tongue 50 and fits snuggly when thetop/wick combo is pressed unto vessel 4. Additionally, FIG. 19 displaysanother exemplary embodiment for creating a spill-proof seal between thevessel 4 and solid top 8. An adhesive may be applied to hole 53 of solidtop 8, which is then mated on to vessel neck 24. The adhesive may be acommercially available adhesive. This method of adhesion may also beused on no-neck vessels.

The spill-proof aerator assembly may alternatively not include a solidtop, and diffusion into the atmosphere occurs completely through thewick 6, as displayed in FIG. 20. The wick 6 preferably expands as itextends out of the vessel opening 32 creating a larger surface area tooptimize diffusion.

The spill-proof aerator for low volatile organic compound liquids, onceassembled and filled with the liquid solution, uses the naturalproperties of the solid top 8 and the wick 6 to diffuse the liquid intothe air. The one or more wicks 6 act as a sponge and soak up the liquidcontained in the vessel through capillary action. The liquid thentravels through the wick 6 and into the solid top 8, whereby throughfurther capillary action, the solid top becomes soaked in the liquid.This wicking action through the wick and the top begins the diffusionprocess through the air as the liquid reaches the surface of the top.

Since solid top 8 is solid and the vessel 4 is sealed, through either asingle or double seal, there is no need for maintenance of thespill-proof aerator. After initial assembly and insertion, no furtheruser action is required. The solid top will continue to diffuse and thewick will continue to “wick” until all of the liquid solution in thevessel has been used. Once all the liquid has been used, the solid top8/wick 6 assembly may be removed from engagement with vessel 4 andvessel 4 may be refilled with liquid to be diffused.

The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations willoccur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construedas including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they comewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. A spill-proof device adapted to flamelessly diffuse a liquid solutioninto the: atmosphere, said device comprising: liquid solution havingless than 20% volatile organic compounds; a vessel for housing saidliquid solution, said vessel having at least one wall, with an openingdisposed in said wall; a reusable wick assembly comprising at least awick of porous material capable of being disposed in said opening insaid vessel for at least partial submergence in said liquid solution andof drawing up said liquid solution thorough capillary action, whereinsaid wick assembly is adapted to removably seal said opening.
 2. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein said wick assembly includes twodistinct pieces, an aerator top and a separate wick.
 3. A deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein said wick assembly comprises said wickbeing disposed in said aerator top.
 4. A device according to claim 2,wherein said top further comprises a first shallow recess and a seconddeeper recess concentrically disposed therein.
 5. A device according toclaim 4, wherein said first recess is adapted to mate with said vesselby removably engaging a raised neck portion surrounding said opening. 6.A device according to claim 4, wherein said second recess is adapted toremovably engage said wick.
 7. A device according to claim 1, whereinsaid wick assembly further includes a gasket for sealing said vesselopening.
 8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said wick assemblyfurther includes an adhesive coating capable of creating a seal withsaid vessel opening.
 9. A device according to claim 1, wherein said wickassembly comprises absorptive materials.
 10. A device according to claim1, wherein said wick assembly further comprises more than one wick. 11.A device according to claim 1, wherein said vessel is capable of beingrefilled with the liquid solution by removing the wick assembly fromengagement with said vessel and filling said vessel with additionalliquid solution.
 12. A device according to claim 1, wherein said porousmaterial is wood.
 13. A device according to claim 12, wherein said woodmaterial of said wick assembly is cut longitudinally along the woodgrain.
 14. A device according to claim 12, wherein said wood materialhas a moisture content of less than 15%.
 15. A device according to claim1, wherein said wick of said wick assembly is tapered, having a wide endand a narrow end, wherein said narrow end fits through said opening andsaid wide end is wider than said opening.
 16. A device according toclaim 1, wherein said wick assembly includes a stopper, adapted tocreate a seal with said vessel opening.
 17. A device according to claim1, wherein said vessel includes a raised neck portion surrounding saidopening, wherein said neck portion is adapted to releasably engage saidwick assembly.
 18. A device according to claim 17, wherein said neckportion is threaded and adapted to engage a complementary threadedportion of said wick assembly.
 19. A device according to claim 1,wherein said liquid solution comprises at least one of a fragrance, amedicine, and a insecticide comprising at least one of volatile andnon-volatile compounds.
 20. A spill-proof aerator assembly adapted toflamelessly diffuse liquids into the ambient air, comprising: a vesselfor housing a liquid solution having an opening with a raised neckportion; an aerator top comprising a porous wood material having a firstshallow recess and a second deeper recess concentrically disposedtherein; and a wick capable of being removably disposed in said secondrecess, wherein said first recess is adapted to removably engage saidneck portion, and said wick is disposed for at least partial submergencein said liquid, wherein at least one of said aerator top and wick sealthe opening of said vessel.
 21. A spill-proof aerator assembly accordingto claim 20, wherein said aerator top and said wick form a double sealwith said vessel opening.
 22. A method for flamelessly diffusing aliquid solution into the atmosphere, comprising: filling a vessel havingan opening with a liquid solution having less than 20% volatile organiccompound; creating a wick assembly comprising at least an aerator topand a wick, by removably inserting at least one wick to said aeratortop, said assembly comprising a reusable porous material; creating aspill-proof seal between said vessel and said wick assembly; andpartially submerging said one or more wicks in the liquid solutionenabling the one or more wicks to transfer the liquid solution to saidaerator top through capillary action.
 23. The method according to claim22, wherein said spill-proof seal is created by tapering said wick, suchthat one end is wider than said opening and the other end is morenarrow, and inserting said narrow end into said opening until said wickbecomes too wide.
 24. The method according to claim 22, wherein saidspill-proof seal is created using an adhesive.
 25. The method accordingto claim 22, wherein said spill-proof seal is created by including astopper with said wick assembly, said stopper being adapted to create aseal with said vessel opening.
 26. The method according to claim 22,wherein said spill-proof seal is created by screwing said wick assemblyonto said opening of the vessel.
 27. The method according to claim 22,said method further comprising refilling said vessel when empty with theliquid solution by removing said top and wick from engagement with saidvessel and filling the vessel with additional liquid solution.
 28. Themethod according to claim 22, further including providing a firstshallow recess in said aerator top and a second deeper recessconcentrically disposed therein.
 29. The method according to claim 28,further including adapting said second recess to releasably engage saidwick.
 30. The method according to claim 28, further including adaptingsaid first recess to mate with said vessel by removably engaging theopening of said vessel.
 31. The method according to claim 22, whereinsaid liquid solution is at least one of a fragrance, a medicine, and aninsecticide.